Dear Chantal et al
That is an excellent email and you're correct to re-align the discussion in terms of the student.
Richard's venture is an intelligent response to a problem created by SFE's rigid adherence to a definition of disability not widely known outside our sector.
A disproportionate number of students with mental health issues are being pended when applying for DSA. Mental Health represented 29.2% of pended applications for 2017-18. DSSG's endorsement of the mental health proforma is at the root of this phenomenon. The fact that there is a distinction between a medical note confirming a disability and a medical note conferring eligibility for DSA is not apparent to students or medical professionals.
‘The Department for Education is launching a review of the transition between school and university to ensure that students are getting adequate support in their first year when they are particularly vulnerable.’ The Universities Minister wants mental health support to be 'top priority':
https://www.theguardian.com/education/2018/jun/28/student-mental-health-must-be-top-priority-universities-minister
It is within the Minster’s power to harmonise the current DSA eligibility process in accordance with his ‘top priority’. These students have nobody to speak for them so perhaps bring this to the attention of your local MP.
Patrick Mulcahy
Good evening everyone,
I am sure we all wish to support our students to the very best of our capability.
I appreciate there may be a number of questions/concerns which arise with any new product or service. However, this forum provides a 'safe space' in order to ask questions and support one another. In this instance, any questions we have can be sent directly to the very person who has set up the service which should be advantageous.
Consequently, we can make an informed decision in regards to whether the service is useful to each of us in the contexts we work or not.
Ultimately, helping students access support is key, I know there are lots of barriers with lots of students struggling to get medical evidence and this sounds like an interesting solution. I would like additional information to clarify the process and cost better and so I will email Richard off list.
Perhaps, Richard could create a FAQ's document based on the questions being asked to him and share this with us and/or add it to his website. Equally, if he is going to be offering a webinar this could also be very beneficial for those who wish to find out more.
I have had a number of exchanges with Richard and have always found him to be very passionate about helping/supporting students through HE and the DSA process based on his own personal experience.
Best wishes,
Chantal
Specialist Dyslexia/SEND Lecturer and Assessor
BA (Hons), PGCE, PG Cert SpLD, L7 ADHD, PG Dip Dyscalculia,
AMBDA FE/HE,QTLS (IFL) APC (PATOSS)
ADSHE QA120,& Fellow of HEA
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